Bernard David Gerhartz, 82, of Palatine Bridge, passed away at home with his family by his side on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Dave was born on Friday, November 19, 1943, in the Town of Palatine, the son of the late Bernard Willard and the late Margaret Mae (Carpenter) Gerhartz. He graduated from Canajoharie Central School in 1962. Dave was a member of St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church for most of his life and he served on the church council for Trinity Lutheran Church.

On October 24, 1964, Dave married the love of his life, Margaret Mayton at Trinity Lutheran Church.

David loved his job as a Forklift Operator for Beech-Nut at the Canajoharie facility and retired from there in 2011.  While working at Beech-Nut, he had a prosperous side business, Gerhartz Photography, in which he photographed for Mary Kay, a plethora of weddings as well as lighthouses, covered bridges, old barns, waterfalls, and other nature scenes.  Prior to working at Beech-Nut, David owned and operated Gerhartz Farms.

In his spare time, David enjoyed going for car rides, hiking, reading, playing solitaire, and water skiing. He was an avid hunter, and he loved old cars and tractors. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Gerhartz, daughter, Michele (Floyd) Brand, son, Wayne (Dr. Amy) Gerhartz, grandchildren, Heather and Jessie, great-grandchildren, Keiton, Kinsleigh, and Kayson, sister, Robin (Bill) Hodge, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his son, Michael, and his brother, Steve.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11-1:00 at Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsgo Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. A funeral service will follow at 1:00.

Burial will take place at Fort Plain Cemetery. 

Please consider memorial contributions to a charity of one's choice in his memory.  

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